Highway 87 Reopened, Weather Still A Concern

According to Highway Patrol officials, Highway 87 southbound from Payson has been reopened, but rockslides and debris are still a threat and drivers are urged to use caution.

Richard Haddad/Roundup

Heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Javier have pounded the
Rim country since Saturday night causing flooding in some areas and
highway closures. See the printed edition of the Tuesday Payson
Roundup for complete details.

The highway was closed Sunday morning with 2 feet of debris in some areas of the southbound lanes, especially in areas affected by the Willow Fire.

Heavy rains from the remnants of Hurricane Javier have pounded the Rim country since Saturday night.

Road crews worked to clear the highway but officials warn conditions could warrant additional closures.

If the highway is closed again, Arizona Department of Transportation recommends travelers take State Route 260 westbound through Camp Verde to Interstate 17.

ADOT is not recommending State Route 188 due to low visibility and bad weather conditions. According to ADOT, SR 188 could also close at any time.

Authorities are also concerned about road conditions and visibility on northbound Highway 87.

According to Payson National Weather Service observer Anna Mae Deming, the Payson area has already received more than an inch of rain from this storm front and rain is forecast to continue throughout the day Sunday.